Born of volcanic fires and lava, the Hawaiian Islands are the summits of a great volcanic mountain range which stretches nearly 2,000 miles across the ocean floor.

Third largest and best known, Oahu is traditionally the first landing place for visitors and site of Honolulu, Waikiki, Diamond Head and Pearl Harbor.

Maui, second largest in the chain, is the site of Haleakala (house of the Sun), an immense dormant volcano, and the old, once-lusty whaling port of Lahaina.

On Kauai is the wettest spot on Earth and the island is noted for its lush foliage. The island of Hawaii is the easternmost island of the chain. It is the southernmost point in the United States and is nearly twice as large as the other seven islands combined, appropriately called the “ Big Island” or the “ Orchid Island.” Here is the state’s highest mountain, Mauna Kea. Here too, within Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, are Mauna Loa and Kilauea, both very live volcanoes in one of the world’s most spectacularly active volcanic areas.

Every island has good public swimming beaches. Scuba divers and snorkelers delight exploring Hawaii’s colorful offshore reefs. Catamarans and outriggers add an island flavor to sailing.